Bulk bag with perforated sections

ABSTRACT

A novel bag for holding, transporting, and pouring a bulk product is provided. In one embodiment, the bag comprises a curved, perforated section at one corner. The section can be removed by tearing along the perforation, thus forming a spout for pouring the product from the bag. In another embodiment, the bag further comprises a second perforated section extending the majority of the way (and preferably the entire way) horizontally across the bag. In this embodiment, the bag could alternatively, or additionally, be opened by tearing along the second set of perforations and separating the resulting two sections of the bag. The bag is typically formed of plastic, and can be used for salt, animal food, and other pourable products.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of provisional applicationsentitled BULK BAG WITH MULTIPLE PERFORATED SECTIONS, Ser. No.61/607,321, filed Mar. 6, 2012, and BULK BAG WITH CURVED PERFORATION,Ser. No. 61/607,274, filed Mar. 6, 2012, each of which is incorporatedby reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is broadly concerned with the field of bags forholding pourable products such as salt. More particularly, the inventivebags have a curved, perforated section at one corner and, in someembodiments a second perforated section that extends substantially, andpreferably entirely, horizontally across the bag, for removal andpouring of the product from the bag.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Bag are commonly used to hold and transport pourable products (i.e.,products comprising numerous small pieces). Such products include saltcubes or pellets, animal food, flour, and sugar, to name a few. Thesepourable products are typically sold in large quantities (e.g., 30-50lbs.) and in bulk sizes that are difficult for the average person tohandle. Even more difficult than carrying these bags is pouring theproduct from the bulky bag. That is, the consumer must open the bag,attempt to pick up the very heavy bag, and carefully pour the product ina controlled manner. This often results in spilling of the product,which goes from not coming out at all to rapidly falling from the bagand outside of the target area. There is a need for a bag that can bemore easily opened at the point of use, as well as more easily pouredwith minimal or no spillage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention provides a bag for holding a pourableproduct. The bag comprises front and back panels comprising first andsecond end portions presenting respective outermost edges, and first andsecond side portions presenting respective outermost edges. The frontand back panels and the end and side portions cooperate to form achamber for holding the pourable product, with the first end portion andthe first side portion cooperating to form a first corner. The panelsfurther comprise a seam extending between the first and second sideportion outermost edges. The front and back panels comprise perforationsat the first corner, and the perforations extend in a non-linear fashionfrom the outermost edge of the first end portion to the outermost edgeof the first side portion. The perforations have a radius of curvatureof from about 3 inches to about 4 inches when measured from a point thatis about 0.25 inches to about 2 inches from the seam and about 0.1inches to about 0.75 inches from the outermost edge of the first sideportion.

In a further embodiment, the bag comprises front and back panels eachcomprising first and second end portions presenting respective outermostedges, and first and second side portions presenting respectiveoutermost edges. The front and back panels and the end and side portionscooperate to form a chamber for holding the pourable product, with thefirst end portion and the first side portion cooperating to form a firstcorner. The panels further comprise perforations at the first corner,with the perforations extending in a non-linear fashion from theoutermost edge of the first end portion to the outermost edge of thefirst side portion. Finally, the panels comprise a handle adjacent atleast one of the first and second end portions and integrally formedwith the bag.

In another embodiment, a method of using the above inventive bags isprovided. The method comprises tearing the front and back panels at theperforations to form an opening, and causing the pourable product toexit the bag from the opening, preferably by tilting the bag.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a bag for holding apourable product. The bag comprises front and back panels comprisingfirst and second end portions presenting respective outermost edges, andfirst and second side portions presenting respective outermost edges.The front and back panels and the end and side portions cooperate toform a chamber for holding the pourable product. The bag has a width“W,” defined as the shortest distance between the respective outermostedges of said first and second side portions, and the first end portionand the first side portion cooperate to form a first corner. The frontand back panels comprise a first set of perforations at the firstcorner, and the first set of perforations extend in a non-linear fashionfrom the outermost edge of the first end portion, or from a seam or areanear to said outermost edge of said first end portion, to the outermostedge of the first side portion. The front and back panels furthercomprise a second set of perforations extending from at least one of therespective outermost edges of the first and second side portions adistance of at least about 50% of “W,” towards the other of therespective outermost edges of the first and second side portions.

In yet a further embodiment, a method of using the above inventive bagis provided. The method comprises tearing the first corner at the firstset of perforations to form a first opening, or at the second set ofperforations to form a second opening, or at both the first and secondsets of perforations to form first and second openings. The pourableproduct is then caused to exit the bag from the opening or the first andsecond openings, preferably by tilting the bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure (FIG.) 1 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of a bagaccording to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view illustrating the dimensions of the bagof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the bagaccording to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the bag of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view illustrating the dimensions of the bagof FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Bag with CurvedPerforations Only

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a bag 10 is illustrated. Bag 10 includes afront panel 12 and a back panel 14. As shown, front and back panels12,14 are flat to demonstrate their respective shapes before beingfilled with product. Front panel 12 and back panel 14 share a first endportion 16 and a second end portion 18.

Front panel 12 and back panel 14 further share a first side portion 20and a second side portion 22. First and second end portions 16, 18 andfirst and second side portions 20, 22 present respective outeimost edges24 a-d, which define an outer boundary or periphery 26 of the bag 10.Outermost edges 24 a and 24 b oppose, and are substantially parallel to,one another, while outermost edges 24 c and 24 d oppose, and aresubstantially parallel to, one another. Furthermore, outermost edges 24c and 24 d are substantially perpendicular to outermost edges 24 a and24 b.

Each of the first and second end portions 16, 18 intersects with firstand second side portions 20, 22 at corners 28 a-d. Front and back panels12, 14, first and second end portions 16, 18, and first and second sideportions 20, 22 cooperate to form a chamber for holding a pourableproduct.

First end portion 16 comprises a first horizontal seam 30 spaced apartfrom outermost edge 24 a, thus forming a flap 32 in first end portion16. First horizontal seam 30 has a thickness of from about 1/16 inch toabout ¼ inch (and more preferably about ⅛ inch) and is substantiallyparallel to outermost edge 24 a. Flap 32 comprises a handle 34 formedtherein. Handle 34 comprises a patch 36 that is heat-sealed to the flap32. Patch 36 could be heat-sealed on either side of the flap 32 (i.e.,on front panel 12 or on back panel 14), or on both sides if extrastrength is required. Patch 36 can be any material typically used forbags carrying bulk products, including plastics such as linear lowdensity polyethylenes (LLPDE). A C-shaped grip 38 is formed throughpatch 36 and flap 32 to form an opening, through which a user may placehis or her fingers during carrying, pouring, etc.

Outmost edge 24 a of first end portion 16 is bisected by centerline 40(see FIG. 3). In a preferred embodiment, handle 34 is positioned suchthat some portion of the grip 38 falls upon the centerline 40. Also,while it will be appreciated that the handle 34 is integrally formedwith the bag 10 (and particularly with flap 32) as described above, onemay also substitute an integrally formed handle with a separately formedhandle that is then physically attached to the bag 10. Also, flap 32could include a small opening (not shown) in or around corner 28 b toprovide a place for the user to place his or her finger during pouringto assist with that process.

First end portion 16 also comprises a pouring spout 42, preferably atcorner 28 a. In the preferred embodiment, the spout 42 comprisesperforations 44, which allow for easy opening of the spout 42 at thetime of use.

As shown in the figures, perforations 44 are in the form of a curved(i.e., non-linear) pattern rather than a straight line as found in priorart bags. Perforations 44 intersect outermost edge 24 a at point 45 aand outermost edge 24 c at point 45 b approximately (±5°, preferably±2°) a 90° angle. The radius of curvature “R” (see FIG. 3) is preferablyfrom about 3 inches to about 4 inches, and more preferably about 3.5inches. Furthermore, the radius of curvature “R” is measured at a pointthat is set in from the corner of the bag, at distances D⁶ and D⁷. Thisnon-linear pattern allows product to be more easily poured from openspout 42 as the opening is less prone to closing up on itself.Furthermore, the offset radius of curvature shifts the opening createdby spout 42 downwardly towards the pourable product, making the productmore flowable from the bag. Advantageously, this design results in anopening at spout 44 that has a cross-sectional area of from about 4 in²,to about 31 in², preferably from about 9 in² to about 28 in², and morepreferably from about 13 in² to about 19 in². This design yields a bagthat can be emptied 15-20% more quickly than prior art bags.

The perforation 44 also preferably includes a “starter split” 43 throughfirst horizontal seam 30. Starter split 43 is an area of weakness thatrenders perforation 44 easier to tear. Unlike prior art bags, startersplit 43 is actually integral within first horizontal seam 30 so thatthe seam 30 does not hinder tearing due to the inherent perforationweakness.

Finally, the bag 10 preferably has a side panel 46. Side panel 46 isessentially a lay-flat fold whose width is defined by a turn axis 48.Side panel 46 allows for expansion of the bag upon filling with thepourable product.

Referring to FIG. 3, several dimensions of the inventive bag 10 havebeen defined. The ranges for those dimensions are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Preferred Bag Dimensions Dimension Broad Range Preferred RangeMost Preferred Range from FIG. 3 (inches) (inches) (inches) L about 20to about 35 about 24 to about 30 about 26 to about 28 W about 10 toabout 24 about 14 to about 20 about 15 to about 18 D¹ about 5 to about 8about 5.5 to about 7.5 about 5.8 to about 7 D² about 4.5 to about 7about 5 to about 6.5 about 5 to about 6 D³ about 2 to about 3.5 about2.2 to about 3 about 2.4 to about 2.8 D⁴ about 2.5 to about 5.5 about 3to about 5 about 3.7 to about 4.5 D⁵ about 2 to about 4 about 2.5 toabout 4.5 about 2.9 to about 3.2 D⁶ about 0.25 to about 2 about 0.75 toabout 1.25 about 1 D⁷ about 0.1 to about 0.75 about 0.2 to about 0.5about 0.375 L¹ about 17 to about 30 about 20 to about 28 about 22 toabout 26 D¹/D²* about 0.8 to about 1.7 about 1 to about 1.5 about 1.1 toabout 1.3 L/D¹* about 2 to about 5 about 3 to about 4.5 about 3.5 toabout 4 W/D²* about 1.5 to about 5 about 2 to about 4 about 2.5 to about3 *Unitless

This embodiment of the inventive bag 10 can be manufactured by variousmethods, but the preferred method is described herein. First, a tube orsleeve of plastic is cut to the desired length (represented by “L” inFIG. 3). The plastic of which the inventive bag is formed can be anymaterial typically used to form bags carrying bulk products. The plasticshould be flexible and stretchable so that the bag collapses as the bulkproduct is poured from the bag. Preferably, the plastic of which the bagis formed stretches from about 1 to about 2 times at yield, and morepreferably about 1.5 times at yield. Furthermore, it is preferred thatthe bag be formed of a plastic that stretches at least about 4 times,preferably at least about 5 times, and more preferably from about 5 toabout 7 times at its break point. Thus, the preferred plastic has anASTM D882 percent elongation of from about 200% to about 800%,preferably from about 400% to about 700%, and more preferably from about500% to about 650%. The thickness of the preferred plastic is from about2 mil to about 14 mil, preferably from about 4 mil to about 10 mil, andmore preferably from about 6 mil to about 8 mil. The most preferredmaterial is LLDPE.

A heat seal is then applied at first end portion 16 in order to formhorizontal seam 30. A film (typically having a 10-mil thickness) isheat-sealed to flap 32 to form patch 36. C-shaped grip 38 is then cut(e.g., die-cut) through the patch 36 and flap 32, thus forming handle34, which serves as the primary carrying handle. The perforations 44 canbe added at this time according to conventional methods in order to formpouring spout 42.

The manufactured bag can then be stored until needed, or immediatelyfilled and sealed. Either way, after the bag 10 is filled to the desiredlevel, a final heat seal is applied at second end portion 18 to createsecond horizontal seam 50, making the filled bag 10 ready fordistribution. It will be appreciated that the inventive bag 10 can beused to transport and store numerous types of pourable products,including cubes, pellets, tablets, powders, compacted pieces, and/orgranules of those selected from the group consisting of: salt (e.g.,water softening, pool treatment, deicing, etc.); animal food (e.g., birdseed, grain, dog or cat food); bulk flour or sugar; cement; seed (e.g.,grass seed) and other lawn and garden products; fertilizers; ice; sand;rice; spices; soil (including soil mixtures); pesticides (e.g., fire anttreatments); industrial chemicals; mortar; plaster; marble dust; stones(including pebbles and gravel); and constructions products. Suchproducts will typically cause the bags to weigh from about 20 lbs. toabout 100 lbs., and more typically from about 40 lbs. to about 60 lbs.

In use and before pouring, a user would tear corner 28 a at perforations44 in order to remove (or at least partially remove) corner 28 a atspout 42. This forms an opening at spout 42, rendering spout 42 readyfor pouring. This controlled pouring allows for fairly exact dispensingof the product, while preventing spillage and waste of the product.

Bag with Curved and Full Perforations

FIGS. 4-6 show an alternative embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, a bag 10 a is illustrated, with like numbering being used toshow like parts from FIGS. 1-3. Bag 10 a includes a front panel 12 and aback panel 14. As shown, front and back panels 12,14 are flat todemonstrate their respective shapes before being filled with product.Front panel 12 and back panel 14 share a first end portion 16 and asecond end portion 18.

Front panel 12 and back panel 14 further share a first side portion 20and a second side portion 22. First and second end portions 16, 18 andfirst and second side portions 20, 22 present respective outermost edges24 a-d, which define an outer boundary or periphery 26 of the bag 10 a.Outermost edges 24 a and 24 b oppose, and are substantially parallel to,one another, while outermost edges 24 c and 24 d oppose, and aresubstantially parallel to, one another. Furthermore, outermost edges 24c and 24 d are substantially perpendicular to outermost edges 24 a and24 b.

Each of the first and second end portions 16, 18 intersects with firstand second side portions 20, 22 at corners 28 a-d. Front and back panels12, 14, first and second end portions 16, 18, and first and second sideportions 20, 22 cooperate to form a chamber for holding a pourableproduct.

First end portion 16 comprises a first horizontal seam 30 spaced apartfrom outermost edge 24 a, thus forming a flap 32 in first end portion16. First horizontal seam 30 has a thickness of from about 1/16 inch toabout ¼ inch (and more preferably about ⅛ inch) and is substantiallyparallel to outermost edge 24 a. Flap 32 comprises a handle 34 formedtherein. Handle 34 comprises a patch 36 that is heat-sealed to the flap32. Patch 36 could be heat-sealed on either side of the flap 32 (i.e.,on front panel 12 or on back panel 14), or on both sides if extrastrength is required. Patch 36 can be any material typically used forbags carrying bulk products, including plastics such as linear lowdensity polyethylenes (LLPDE). A C-shaped grip 38 is formed throughpatch 36 and flap 32 to form an opening, through which a user may placehis or her fingers during carrying, pouring, etc.

Outmost edge 24 a of first end portion 16 is bisected by centerline 40(see FIG. 4). In a preferred embodiment, handle 34 is positioned suchthat some portion of the grip 38 falls upon the centerline 40. Also,while it will be appreciated that the handle 34 is integrally formedwith the bag 10 a (and particularly with flap 32) as described above,one may also substitute an integrally formed handle with a separatelyformed handle that is then physically attached to the bag 10 a. Also,flap 32 could include a small opening (not shown) in or around corner 28b to provide a place for the user to place his or her finger duringpouring to assist with that process.

First end portion 16 also comprises a pouring spout 42, preferably atcorner 28 a. In the preferred embodiment, the spout 42 comprises a firstset of perforations 44, which allow for easy opening of the spout 42 atthe time of use.

As shown in the figures, perforations 44 are in the form of a curved(i.e., non-linear) pattern rather than a straight line as found in priorart bags. Perforations 44 intersect first horizontal seam at point 45 aand outermost edge 24 c at point 45 b approximately (±5°, preferably±2°) a 90° angle. The radius of curvature “R” (see FIG. 6) is preferablyfrom about 3 inches to about 4 inches, and more preferably about 3.5inches. Furthermore, the radius of curvature “R” is measured at a pointthat is set in from the corner of the bag, at distances D⁶ and D⁷. Thisnon-linear pattern allows product to be more easily poured from openspout 42 as the opening is less prone to closing up on itself.Furthermore, the offset radius of curvature shifts the opening createdby spout 42 downwardly towards the pourable product, making the productmore flowable from the bag. Advantageously, this design results in anopening at spout 44 that has a cross-sectional area of from about 4 in²,to about 31 in², preferably from about 9 in² to about 28 in², and morepreferably from about 13 in² to about 19 in². This design yields a bagthat can be emptied 15-20% more quickly than prior art bags.

As was true with bag 10, perforation 44 of bag 10 a also preferablyincludes a “starter split” 43 through first horizontal seam 30. Startersplit 43 is an area of weakness that renders perforation 44 easier totear. Unlike prior art bags, starter split 43 is actually present withinfirst horizontal seam 30 so that the seam 30 does not hinder tearing dueto inherent perforation weakness.

The bag 10 a further comprises a second set of perforations 52 in frontand back panels 12, 14. Perforations 52 provide an area where the frontand back panels 12, 14 can be separated, creating an alternative, oradditional, opening for pouring of product from the bag 10 a. Ideally,perforations 52 form a pattern that is linear in nature, andsubstantially parallel to outermost edges 24 a, 24 b and substantiallyperpendicular to outermost edges 24 c, 24 d. The figures depictperforations 52 extending from outermost edge 24 c to outermost edge 24d, however, in some embodiments, the perforations 52 do not extendentirely across the width “W” of the front and back panels 12, 14.However, it is preferred that the perforations 52 extend at least about50% of “W,” preferably at least about 75% of “W,” and more preferablyabout 100% of “W.” Furthermore, although the figures show theperforations 52 at a distance “D⁸” from outermost edge 24 b, it will beappreciated that the perforations 52 can be positioned anywhere alongthe length “L¹” of the front and back panels 12, 14, providedperforations 52 are at least about 0.5 inches, and preferably at leastabout 1 inch, from first horizontal seam 30 and outermost edge 24 b. Thesecond set of perforations 52 provide a “total dump” option to the user,when a spout 42 is not needed or desired.

The bag 10 a also preferably has a side panel 54. Side panel 54 isessentially a lay-flat fold whose width is defined by a turn axis 56.Side panel 54 allows for expansion of the bag upon filling with thepourable product.

Referring to FIG. 6, several dimensions of the inventive bag 10 a havebeen defined. The ranges for those dimensions are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Preferred Bag Dimensions Dimension Broad Range Preferred RangeMost Preferred Range from FIG. 3 (inches) (inches) (inches) L about 20to about 35 about 24 to about 30 about 26 to about 28 W about 10 toabout 24 about 14 to about 20 about 15 to about 18 D¹ about 5 to about 8about 5.5 to about 7.5 about 5.8 to about 7 D² about 4.5 to about 7about 5 to about 6.5 about 5 to about 6 D³ about 2 to about 3.5 about2.2 to about 3 about 2.4 to about 2.8 D⁴ about 2.5 to about 5.5 about 3to about 5 about 3.7 to about 4.5 D⁵ about 2 to about 4 about 2.5 toabout 4.5 about 2.9 to about 3.2 D⁶ about 0.25 to about 2 about 0.75 toabout 1.25 about 1 D⁷ about 0.1 to about 0.75 about 0.2 to about 0.5about 0.375 D⁸ about 0.5 to about 10 about 2 to about 8 about 4 to about7 L¹ about 17 to about 30 about 20 to about 28 about 22 to about 26D¹/D²** about 0.8 to about 1.7 about 1 to about 1.5 about 1.1 to about1.3 L/D¹** about 2 to about 5 about 3 to about 4.5 about 3.5 to about 4W/D²** about 1.5 to about 5 about 2 to about 4 about 2.5 to about 3L¹/D⁸* about 2 to about 15 about 2 to about 10 about 3 to about 7**Unitless

As was true with the first embodiment (bag 10), the inventive bag 10 acan be manufactured by various methods, but the preferred method isdescribed herein. First, a tube or sleeve of plastic is cut to thedesired length (represented by “L” in FIG. 6). The plastic of which theinventive bag is formed can be any material typically used to form bagscarrying bulk products. The plastic should be flexible and stretchableso that the bag collapses as the bulk product is poured from the bag.Preferably, the plastic of which the bag is formed stretches from about1 to about 2 times at yield, and more preferably about 1.5 times atyield. Furthermore, it is preferred that the bag be formed of a plasticthat stretches at least about 4 times, preferably at least about 5times, and more preferably from about 5 to about 7 times at its breakpoint. Thus, the preferred plastic has an ASTM D882 percent elongationof from about 200% to about 800%, preferably from about 400% to about700%, and more preferably from about 500% to about 650%. The thicknessof the preferred plastic is from about 2 mil to about 14 mil, preferablyfrom about 4 mil to about 10 mil, and more preferably from about 6 milto about 8 mil. The most preferred material is LLDPE.

A heat seal is then applied at first end portion 16 in order to formhorizontal seam 30. A film (typically having a 10-mil thickness) isheat-sealed to flap 32 to form patch 36. C-shaped grip 38 is then cut(e.g., die-cut) through the patch 36 and flap 32, thus forming handle34, which serves as the primary carrying handle. The perforations 44 and52 can be added at this time according to conventional methods.

The manufactured bag can then be stored until needed, or immediatelyfilled and sealed. Either way, after the bag 10 a is filled to thedesired level, a final heat seal is applied at second end portion 18 tocreate second horizontal seam 58, making the filled bag 10 a ready fordistribution. It will be appreciated that the inventive bag 10 a can beused to transport and store numerous types of pourable products,including cubes, pellets, tablets, powders, compacted pieces, and/orgranules of those selected from the group consisting of: salt (e.g.,water softening, pool treatment, deicing, etc.); animal food (e.g., birdseed, grain, dog or cat food); bulk flour or sugar; cement; seed (e.g.,grass seed) and other lawn and garden products; fertilizers; ice; sand;rice; spices; soil (including soil mixtures); pesticides (e.g., fire anttreatments); industrial chemicals; mortar; plaster; marble dust; stones(including pebbles and gravel); and constructions products. Suchproducts will typically cause the bags to weigh from about 20 lbs. toabout 100 lbs., and more typically from about 40 lbs. to about 60 lbs.

It will be appreciated that the present invention provides the user formore than one option for removing the product from the bag. In use andbefore pouring, one option allows a user to tear corner 28 a atperforations 44 in order to remove (or at least partially remove) corner28 a at spout 42. This forms an opening at spout 42, rendering spout 42ready for pouring. This controlled pouring allows for fairly exactdispensing of the product, while preventing spillage and waste of theproduct.

Another option allows a user to tear the front and back panels 12, 14 atperforations 52 in order to separate (or at least partially separate)strip 60 from the remainder 62 of bag 10 a. It will be appreciated thatthis allows for easy pouring of the product from the bag 10 a. Thiscontrolled pouring allows for fairly exact dispensing of the product,while preventing spillage and waste of the product. This type of openingis particularly advantageous in situations where the bag is being pouredinto a large opening. The user can just lay the bag on top of the largeopening and use both hands to tear perforations 52 and separate strip 60from remainder 62, thus avoiding the need to hold and tilt a heavy bagduring product removal.

As yet a further option, the user could tear both the perforations 44and the perforations 52 to form two openings, and use both openings toremove the product from the bag. It will be appreciated that theseoptions allow the end user to select the best option for his/herparticular use, environment, strength, etc.

Regardless of whether the inventive bag is provided as bag 10 or bag 10a, it should include a number of features and properties that give itadvantages over the prior art. For example, perforations 44 and 52should tear easily at the time of use, but at the same time should besufficiently strong that they do not tear before desired, thus allowingspilling of the product.

Additionally, the inventive bags 10, 10 a must be sturdy enough not tobe damaged upon dropping. More specifically, the bags 10, 10 a shouldpass a six-sided drop test.

We claim:
 1. A bag for holding a pourable product, said bag comprisingfront and back panels each comprising: first and second end portionspresenting respective outermost edges; first and second side portionspresenting respective outermost edges, said front and back panels andsaid end and side portions cooperating to form a chamber for holding thepourable product, said first end portion and said first side portioncooperating to form a first corner; a seam extending between the firstand second side portion outermost edges; and perforations at said firstcorner, said perforations extending in a non-linear fashion from theoutermost edge of said first end portion, to the outermost edge of saidfirst side portion, said perforations having a radius of curvature offrom about 3 inches to about 4 inches when measured from a point that isabout 0.25 inches to about 2 inches from said seam and about 0.1 inchesto about 0.75 inches from the outermost edge of said first side portion.2. The bag of claim 1, said bag further comprising a handle adjacent atleast one of said first and second end portions.
 3. The bag of claim 2,wherein said handle is at said first end portion.
 4. The bag of claim 2,wherein said handle is integrally formed with said bag.
 5. The bag ofclaim 1, wherein said chamber includes therein a quantity of pourableproduct, said product being selected from the group consisting of salt,animal food, flour, sugar, cement, seed, fertilizer, ice, sand, rice,spices, soil, pesticides, industrial chemicals, mortar, plaster, marbledust, and stones.
 6. A method of dispensing a pourable product from abag, the method comprising: providing a bag comprising: front and backpanels each comprising: first and second end portions presentingrespective outermost edges; first and second side portions presentingrespective outermost edges, said front and back panels and said end andside portions cooperating to form a chamber for holding the pourableproduct, said first end portion and said first side portion cooperatingto form a first corner; a seam extending between the first and secondside portion outermost edges; and perforations at said first corner,said perforations extending in a non-linear fashion from the outermostedge of said first end portion, to the outermost edge of said first sideportion, said perforations having a radius of curvature of from about 3inches to about 4 inches when measured from a point that is about 0.25inches to about 2 inches from said seam and about 0.1 inches to about0.75 inches from the outermost edge of said first side portion; and aquantity of the pourable product in said chamber; tearing said firstcorner at said perforations to form an opening; and causing saidpourable product to exit the bag through the opening.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, wherein said tearing comprises removing said first corner. 8.The method of claim 6, said bag further comprising a handle adjacent atleast one of said first and second end portions.
 9. The method of claim8, wherein said handle is at said first end portion.
 10. The method ofclaim 8, wherein said handle is integrally formed with said bag.
 11. Themethod of claim 6, wherein said pourable product is selected from thegroup consisting of salt, animal food, flour, sugar, cement, seed,fertilizer, ice, sand, rice, spices, soil, pesticides, industrialchemicals, mortar, plaster, marble dust, and stones.
 12. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising gripping said handle while causing saidproduct to exit said bag.
 13. The method of claim 6, wherein saidcausing comprises tilting said bag.
 14. A bag for holding a pourableproduct, said bag comprising front and back panels each comprising:first and second end portions presenting respective outermost edges;first and second side portions presenting respective outermost edges,said front and back panels and said end and side portions cooperating toform a chamber for holding the pourable product, said first end portionand said first side portion cooperating to form a first corner;perforations at said first corner, said perforations extending in anon-linear fashion from the outermost edge of said first end portion tothe outermost edge of said first side portion; and a handle adjacent atleast one of said first and second end portions and integrally formedwith said bag.
 15. The bag of claim 14, wherein said handle is at saidfirst end portion.
 16. The bag of claim 14, wherein said chamberincludes therein a quantity of pourable product, said product beingselected from the group consisting of salt, animal food, flour, sugar,cement, seed, fertilizer, ice, sand, rice, spices, soil, pesticides,industrial chemicals, mortar, plaster, marble dust, and stones.
 17. Amethod of dispensing a pourable product from a bag, the methodcomprising: providing a bag comprising: front and back panels eachcomprising: first and second end portions presenting respectiveoutermost edges; first and second side portions presenting respectiveoutermost edges, said front and back panels and said end and sideportions cooperating to form a chamber for holding the pourable product,said first end portion and said first side portion cooperating to foam afirst corner; and perforations at said first corner, said perforationsextending in a non-linear fashion from the outermost edge of said firstend portion to the outermost edge of said first side portion; a handleadjacent at least one of said first and second end portions andintegrally formed with said bag; and a quantity of the pourable productin said chamber; tearing said first corner at said perforations to forman opening; and causing said pourable product to exit the bag throughthe opening.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said tearing comprisesremoving said first corner.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein saidhandle is at said first end portion.
 20. The method of claim 17, whereinsaid pourable product is selected from the group consisting of salt,animal food, flour, sugar, cement, seed, fertilizer, ice, sand, rice,spices, soil, pesticides, industrial chemicals, mortar, plaster, marbledust, and stones.
 21. The method of claim 17, further comprisinggripping said handle while causing said product to exit said bag. 22.The method of claim 17, wherein said causing comprises tilting said bag.23. A bag for holding a pourable product, said bag comprising front andback panels each comprising: first and second end portions presentingrespective outermost edges; first and second side portions presentingrespective outermost edges, said front and back panels and said end andside portions cooperating to form a chamber for holding the pourableproduct, there being a width “W,” defined as the shortest distancebetween the respective outermost edges of said first and second sideportions, said first end portion and said first side portion cooperatingto form a first corner; a first set of perforations at said firstcorner, said first set of perforations extending in a non-linear fashionfrom the outermost edge of said first end portion, or from a seam orarea near to said outermost edge of said first end portion, to theoutermost edge of said first side portion; and a second set ofperforations extending from one of said respective outermost edges ofsaid first and second side portions a distance of at least about 50% of“W” towards the other of said respective outermost edges of said firstand second side portions.
 24. The bag of claim 23, said second set ofperforations extending a distance of at least about 75% of “W.”
 25. Thebag of claim 23, said second set of perforations extending a distance ofabout 100% of “W.”
 26. The bag of claim 23, said second set ofperforations forming a linear pattern that is substantially parallel toat least one of said respective outermost edges of said first and secondend portions.
 27. The bag of claim 23, said bag further comprising ahandle adjacent at least one of said first and second end portions. 28.The bag of claim 27, wherein said handle is at said first end portion.29. The bag of claim 27, wherein said handle is integrally formed withsaid bag.
 30. The bag of claim 23, wherein said chamber includes thereina quantity of pourable product, said product being selected from thegroup consisting of salt, animal food, flour, sugar, cement, seed,fertilizer, ice, sand, rice, spices, soil, pesticides, industrialchemicals, mortar, plaster, marble dust, and stones.
 31. The bag ofclaim 23, said front and back panels further comprising a seam extendingbetween the first and second side portion outermost edges, and saidfirst set of perforations having a radius of curvature of from about 3inches to about 4 inches when measured from a point that is about 0.25inches to about 2 inches from said seam and about 0.1 inches to about0.75 inches from the outermost edge of said first side portion.
 32. Amethod of dispensing a pourable product from a bag, the methodcomprising: providing a bag comprising: front and back panels eachcomprising: first and second end portions presenting respectiveoutermost edges; first and second side portions presenting respectiveoutermost edges, said front and back panels and said end and sideportions cooperating to form a chamber for holding the pourable product,there being a width “W,” defined as the shortest distance between therespective outermost edges of said first and second side portions, saidfirst end portion and said first side portion cooperating to form afirst corner; a first set of perforations at said first corner, saidfirst set of perforations extending in a non-linear fashion from theoutermost edge of said first end portion, or from a seam or area near tosaid outermost edge of said first end portion, to the outermost edge ofsaid first side portion; and a second set of perforations extending fromone of said respective outermost edges of said first and second sideportions a distance of at least about 50% of “W” towards the other ofsaid respective outermost edges of said first and second side portions;and a quantity of the pourable product in said chamber; tearing saidfirst corner at said first set of perforations to form a first opening,at said second set of perforations to form a second opening, or at bothsaid first and second sets of perforations to form first and secondopenings; and causing said pourable product to exit the bag through theopening, or through the first and second openings.
 33. The method ofclaim 32, wherein said tearing comprises removing said first corner. 34.The method of claim 32, said second set of perforations extending adistance of at least about 75% of “W.”
 35. The method of claim 32, saidsecond set of perforations extending a distance of about 100% of “W.”36. The method of claim 32, said second set of perforations forming alinear pattern that is substantially parallel to at least one of saidrespective outermost edges of said first and second end portions. 37.The method of claim 32, wherein said bag comprises a first half at saidfirst end portion and a second half at said second end portion, saidfirst set of perforations being at said first end portion and saidsecond set of perforations being on said second half.
 38. The method ofclaim 32, said bag further comprising a handle adjacent at least one ofsaid first and second end portions.
 39. The method of claim 38, whereinsaid handle is at said first end portion.
 40. The method of claim 38,wherein said handle is integrally formed with said bag.
 41. The methodof claim 32, wherein said pourable product is selected from the groupconsisting of salt, animal food, flour, sugar, cement, seed, fertilizer,ice, sand, rice, spices, soil, pesticides, industrial chemicals, mortar,plaster, marble dust, and stones.
 43. The method of claim 38, furthercomprising gripping said handle while causing said product to exit saidbag.
 44. The method of claim 32, wherein said causing comprises tiltingsaid bag.
 45. The method of claim 32, said front and back panels furthercomprising a seam extending between the first and second side portionoutermost edges, and said first set of perforations having a radius ofcurvature of from about 3 inches to about 4 inches when measured from apoint that is about 0.25 inches to about 2 inches from said seam andabout 0.1 inches to about 0.75 inches from the outermost edge of saidfirst side portion.